US4391689A - Automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus and method - Google Patents
Automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
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- US4391689A US4391689A US06/273,162 US27316281A US4391689A US 4391689 A US4391689 A US 4391689A US 27316281 A US27316281 A US 27316281A US 4391689 A US4391689 A US 4391689A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/416—Systems
- G01N27/447—Systems using electrophoresis
- G01N27/44704—Details; Accessories
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/416—Systems
- G01N27/447—Systems using electrophoresis
- G01N27/44756—Apparatus specially adapted therefor
Definitions
- Electrophoresis as a method of separating the respective ingredients of said fluids, for a microscopic analysis or employing optical densitometry is known and shown or disclosed in one or more of the following patents:
- An important feature of the present invention is to provide an automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus wherein an electrophoresis plate has applied thereto a sample for electrophoretic fractionization and supported in an upright position by a transfer frame so that the plate may be projected downwardly into an electrophoresis chamber for a predetermined period within an electrophoretic circuit.
- a further feature is the provision in conjunction with the electrophoresis chamber of a plurality of solution containing vats arranged in a line within a housing such that the plate may be transferred to a vat containing a stain solution and successively to other processing solutions at all times maintaining the plate in an upright position.
- a further feature provides opposed pairs of longitudinally spaced notches upon the upper edges of the housing front and rear walls adapted to successively receive and support a plate holder rack which has a horizontal frame adapted for supporting one or a plurality of electrophoresis plates or media in registry with the underlined chamber, vats and a drying chamber within said cabinet.
- a further feature is the provision of an electrophoresis chamber having a hinged cover within which the plate holder rack and the plates are supported which includes an electrical circuit with conductors and the use of conductive buffer moistened sponges in registry with the top and bottom edges of the plates for completing an electrical circuit through the electrophoresis plates.
- a further feature incorporates a safety mechanism within the electrophoresis chamber by which high voltage electrical potential may not be applied until the cover is closed over the chamber and the electrical circuit completed.
- a further feature includes a power operated lift and transfer assembly within the cabinet, arranged outwardly of the front and rear walls of the housing, adapted to progressively lift, transfer and lower the plate holder rack and the plates from the chamber and progressively into each of the underlying vats for a predetermined period successively in a linear stepping motion with the plates maintained at all times in an upright position.
- a further feature incorporates within the housing, an upright plate drying chamber together with a means for providing heated air upwardly through the drying chamber for application to the plates suspended therein.
- a further feature is the specific electrophoresis chamber wherein an electrophoretic circuit is provided upon the interior thereof protectively enclosed by a pivoted cover and after a predetermined period, a power operated lift and transfer assembly on elevation automatically opens the cover so as not to block the upward movement of the rack and plates suspended therefrom.
- a further feature is to provide an automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus which includes the process of electrophoresis and necessary sample staining in a continuous operation.
- a further feature of the present invention is a control panel by which the timing of the electrophoresis process may be predetermined depending upon the sample being fractionated wherein the voltage applied may be modified for a particular electrophoresis depending upon the nature of this sample tested.
- the control panel has associated therewith, a program selector by which the interval of immersion within the respective vats and drying chamber may be preset according to a predetermined program or may be manually controlled.
- a further feature includes a method of electrophoresis wherein there is included the step of supporting in an upright position a nonconductive plate having on one surface a buffer moistened electrophoresis media to which has been applied a sample selected from the group consisting of serum proteins, lipoproteins, hemoglobins and isoenzymes. Enclosing of the plate within an electrophoresis chamber after applying an electrical potential to the plate ends within an electrical power circuit for a predetermined period at a predetermined voltage, wherein the specimen fractionates and migrates laterally through portions of the media and after staining, is available for analysis by optical densitometry or other methods.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plate holder rack, on an increased scale and illustrating the mounting of a pair of upright electropheric plates.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end perspective view of the electrophoresis and staining apparatus with the lift and transfer assembly in an elevated position and with the cover of the electrophoresis chamber open.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic side elevational view of the lift and transfer assembly at the beginning of its rise relaive to the housing.
- FIG. 5 is a similar view of the lift mechanism at the top of its rise and translated one half of the distance to transfer of the plate holder rack from one position to the next adjacent position.
- FIG. 6 is a similar view of the transfer assembly at a point of its straight downward movement relative to the housing.
- FIG. 7 is a similar view with the transfer assembly moved down towards its lowermost position, prior to retraction to the position shown in FIG. 4.
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in the direction of arrows 8--8 of FIG. 1 and on an increased scale.
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in the direction of arrows 9--9 of FIG. 8.
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in the direction of arrows 10--10 of FIG. 1, and on an increased scale illustrating the drying chamber and the source of heated air thereto.
- the present automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus sometimes referred to as a system, it generally indicated at 11 in FIGS. 1 and 3 and includes an elongated cabinet 13 having a control panel 15. Positioned within the cabinet is an elongated housing 17 having front wall 19, rear wall 21 bottom wall 23 and spaced above the bottom wall, the overlying horizontal platform 25, as in FIG. 8. The housing also includes upright end wall 27 in FIG. 10.
- V notches 29 Upon and along the top edges of the front and rear walls 19 and 21 are transversely aligned longitudinally spaced pairs of V notches 29, though they could be of another shape, such as U-shape.
- a plastic container 33 which provides the electrophoresis chamber 37 and includes at its upper end, aperture lift boss 35.
- the boss 35 facilitates assembly and removal of container 33 from the housing, for its positioning upon platform 25.
- cover 39 remains in the closed position shown in FIG. 9 for a predetermined interval and thereafter is automatically moved to the open position shown in FIG. 3 bearing against the transverse lid stop 43 upon cabinet 13.
- vats preferably constructed of an inert material, such as plastic are mounted upon platform 25, side by side and arranged in a row and aligned with chamber 37. These vats are adapted to contain respectively a liquid stain as in the first vat 45, first rinse solution in vat 47, FIG. 1, second rinse solution in vat 49, third rinse solution in vat 51, a fixative solution in vat 53 and a final rinse solution in vat 55.
- Upright drying chamber 57 is provided within housing 17 upon platform 25 and is arranged between the last vat 55 and the housing end wall 27, FIGS. 1 and 10.
- Each of the vats 45, 47, 49, 51, 53 and 55 have at the top thereof on one side, the upright aperture lift boss 59, FIG. 9, to facilitate proper positioning thereof within the housing upon platform 25 and removal therefrom from changing the solutions contained therein.
- an elongated air chamber 63 communicating with atmosphere at one end and within which is positioned upon support 65 an electric fan 67.
- the fan is inclined at an acute angle corresponding to the angle of apertured baffle 61 within air chamber 63.
- Elongated air tunnel 69 extends from baffle 61 and has an outlet adjacent the end of the housing including an apertured grate 73 through which forced air passes into the warm air passage 75, which is insulated at 79 and has an air outlet 77 adjacent the lower end of drying chamber 57.
- a cylindrical electrical heating element 71 is disposed within and transversely of the air tunnel 69 and when energized, provides for the passage of heated air through the air tunnel passage 75 and air outlet 77 into the lower end of the drying chamber 57 for upward movement as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10.
- a power operated lift and transfer assembly within the cabinet 13 and arranged outwardly of the housing 17, which in the illustrative embodiment includes a pair of upright parallel spaced lift and transfer plates 81, FIG. 8. These are interconnected at their opposite ends as by the connector rods 141, FIG. 4, and further at their one ends by the transverse lift connector plate 83, shown in its lowermost position, FIG. 10. Said plate will be elevated with respect to the drying chamber 57 when the transfer mechanism has been elevated such as to the position shown in FIG. 5.
- the electrophoresis chamber 37 within the container 33 as in FIG. 9 has a bottom wall 85 over which is positioned a platinum wire electrode 87. Lead 89 extends from said electrode and terminates at the upper end of the chamber 37 in contact 91.
- a quantity of buffer solution 93 is provided within the bottom of chamber 37, and a buffer moistened elongated sponge wick 95 partly immersed in the solution.
- a buffer solution provided is:
- a transverse elongated flange 97 mounting a downwardly facing elongated sponge holder 99 within which is nested an elongated platinum electrode 101 terminating in the lead 103 which extends to the normally open tilt switch 105, depending from the cover 39.
- An additional normally open tilt switch 107 is schematically shown upon the cover 39, and would normally depend from the interior thereof, and is connected to a suitable power source in an electrical circuit and includes a depending contact 109. The contact 109 at its lower end is in registry with the first electrode contact 91, when the cover 39 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 9.
- An additional buffer moistened sponge 111 of generally rectangular shape is positioned within the sponge holder 99 bears against conductor 101 and is retained therein by one or two elongated rubber bands 113 which extend lengthwise around the sponge holder 99 and around the under surface portions of sponge 111.
- the plate holder 115 FIG. 2 which includes an elongated horizontally disposed rectangular frame 117 and at its opposite ends a pair of outwardly directed inverted L-shaped support arms 119 terminating in stops 123. Undersurface portions 121 of the arms 119 are of V-shape adapted for cooperative supporting registry within the corresponding V-shaped notches 29 along the upper edges of the housing front and rear walls.
- One or a series of parallel spaced rectangular sample plates 125 are arranged in an upright position, bowed or flexed as shown and are, nested lengthwise within the frame 117 of the plate holder rack 115 and are frictionally retained therein, FIG. 2.
- Each of the sample plates 125 are electrically nonconductive such as of a plastic material having a MYLAR (Trademark) backing for illustration, and upon the opposite side an electrophoresis media, such as cellulose acetate.
- the electrophoresis media may be of other materials (agarose, cellulose esters, acrylamide gel, etc.) which are known to be electrically conductive for use in the electrophoresis method, such as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,118 of April 30, 1974 and issued to Applicant's Assignee, Helena Laboratories Corporation, Beaumount, Texas.
- Each of the opposed parallel spaced lift and transfer plates 81 are positioned within the cabinet 13 and outwardly of the housing front and rear walls 19 and 21.
- the lift and transfer plates 81 terminate at their upper ends in the elongated top plates 129 which have at their inner edges the upright flanges 131 along which are provided opposed pairs of longitudinally spaced V-notches 133, FIGS. 1, 3 and 8.
- a pair of cover stops 135 are mounted upon top plates 129 and are positioned under the electrophoresis chamber cover 39 when this cover is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1.
- a pair of spaced yieldable cover spring latches 137 are anchored at 139 upon the top plates 129 and are adapted to retain the cover 39 when in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 in registry with cover stops 135, closing off the electrophoresis chamber 37, FIGS. 1 and 9.
- the rack 115 at all times maintains the plates 125 in an upright position so that after the electrophoresis process, the plates are lifted in a vertical plane, by the lift and transfer assembly and moved forwardly and downwardly to the next succeeding opposed pair of housing support notches 29 such as for immersion within the stain fluid within vat 45, FIG. 9.
- the succession of movements of the lift plates 81 define a linear stepping motion by which the loaded plate rack 115 is transported from the electrophoresis chamber 37 with the plates lowered into the fluid within the stain vat 45 for immersion therein for a predetermined interval.
- the stained plates are successively lifted, advanced and lowered into the respective solutions within the additional vats successively, namely vats 47, 49, 51, 53 and 55 and ultimately into the drying chamber 57.
- the power mechanism for operating the lift and transfer assembly or lift plates 81 includes the electric motor 143, FIG. 8, which is mounted and supported at 144 upon the undersurface of housing platform 25 and has an output shaft which projects through wall 19 and mounts drive sprocket 145, also shown in FIG. 4.
- the sprocket 145 which is in driving engagement with drive chain 147, is supported at its opposite ends upon the laterally spaced transfer sprockets 149, FIG. 8.
- transfer sprockets are mounted upon transverse axle shafts 151, which are journalled through the bushings 153 through the front and rear walls 19 and 21 of the housing 17, projecting outwardly thereof.
- the opposed longitudinally spaced pairs of lift chain drive sprockets 155 are secured upon the outer ends of the axle shafts 151, FIG. 8 for rotation therewith.
- Opposed longitudinally spaced pairs of lift chain sprockets 155 are spaced above the first mentioned lift chain sprockets 155 and journalled upon the respective outwardly extending stud shafts 157.
- the respective opposed pairs of longitudinally spaced lift chains 159 are arranged outwardly of the housing front and rear walls 19 and 21 and are mounted over the corresponding lift chain sprockets 155 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- the lift pins 161 Projecting outwardly from the respective lift chains 159 are the lift pins 161 which are outward of the housing front and rear walls, which extend into bushings 162 arranged towards the bottom of the respective lift plates 81 adjacent their respective ends. Since the lift chains 158 move in unison when the motor 143 is energized, the corresponding interconnected lift plates 81 move in unison through the four positions thereof shown respectively in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7.
- Respective lift plates 81 When the lift plates 81 are in their substantially lowermost positions, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the top edges thereof are positioned so as to be slightly below the top wall 163 of cabinet 13. Respective lift plates 81 have formed therethrough a series of rows of longitudinally spaced apertures 191 for reducing their weight and accordingly the load placed upon motor 143 as illustrated in FIG. 3.
- the front thereof has the elongated inclined control panel 15, FIG. 1, which has at one end the basic off and on power switch 167 connected to the suitable source of electrical power.
- a timer having a timer control knob 169, which can be preset for the electrophoresis process from between 0 to 60 minutes as shown in a control panel. The average time under certain conditions being 5-30 minutes, for illustration.
- the time of the electrophoresis process will be predetermined taking into consideration the nature of the serum or other sample specimens, which has been applied to the buffer moistened electrophoresis plates 125.
- a manally operable voltage control switch is shown at 171, upon the control panel 15 by which, for a particular electrophoresis process, the voltage may be selectively set at 180, 300 or 350 volts, for illustration.
- a light emitting diode (LED) or indicator light is shown at 173 directly above the voltage switch 171 to indicate that the timer 169 is active and electrical power is being delivered to the electrophoresis chamber 37.
- the control panel 15 also includes thereon, the stain cycle program switch 175 which shows eight different positions for preselection of one of eight different programs covering the preselected time of immersion of the plates after the electrophoresis process, within the respective solutions including the stain solutions in vat 45 and successively, the other process or treating solutions within the additional vats 47, 49, 51, 53, and 55 as well as the drying chamber 57.
- the average time of immersion for program 1 for illustration is 5 minutes within each of the respective vats 45 through 55 and the drying chamber 57.
- the program switch 175 also has a manual position indicated on the control panel 15 for manual operation. Here the immersion time within the respective vats can be manually controlled, one at a time.
- the cycle start button is shown at 177 and a stop button at 179 is located upon the control panel 15 for initiating or stopping the basic automatic operation of the electrophoresis staining apparatus 11.
- step switch 181 upon the control panel 15 which will control the movements of the lift and transfer assembly 81 intermittently from the staining vat 45 successively through the respective vats 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 and the drying chamber 57 on intermittent activation of the step switch 181.
- the heater 71 and the blower 67 are automatically activated.
- the program switch 175 so set, the toggle switch 183 for the heater 71 and toggle switch 185 for the blower 67 must be manually moved to the "on" position.
- a plus-minus polarity switch 187 and a pair of spaced fuse holders 189 are interposed into the electrical circuit directing power into the electrophoretic circuit within the electrophoresis chamber 37 and including the tilt switches 105 and 107, FIG. 9.
- the invention is further directed to the method of electrophoresis which includes the following steps:
- a non-conductive plate 125 having on one surface an electrophoresis media 127 to which has been applied a sample selected from the group consisting of serum proteins, lipoproteins, hemoglobins and isoenzymes for example.
- the supporting of the plate 125 or a plurality of such plates 125 employs a plate holder rack at 115, FIG. 2, which includes the horizontally open frame 117 within which the plates 125 are bowed and frictionally retained in the upright position shown.
- the plates 125 are supported upon the housing 17 for suspension within the electrophoresis chamber 37, FIG. 9.
- a further step includes the enclosing of the plate or plates 125 within the chamber 37 by closing the cover 39, FIG. 9 and thereafter applying an electrical potential to the plate ends within an electrical power circuit for a preselected period at a preselected voltage, wherein the specimen ingredients fractionate and migrate laterally through portions of the electrophoresis media 127.
- the electrophoresis media is a cellulose acetate, but it could be made of other electrophoresis media, such as agarose, cellulose esters, acrylamide gel and other types for plate electrophoresis.
- the electrophoresis chamber 37 has a hinged cover 39 wherein the application of electrical potential includes the spaced electrical conductors 87 and 101 on the bottom of the container 33 and within the cover mounted upper sponge support 99 respectively.
- the method includes the positioning of a buffer moistened conductive sponge 95 within a buffer solution 93, within the container to overlie the conductor 87 and thereafter the positioning of a second buffer moistened conductive sponge 111 within the sponge holder 99 depending from the cover 39 in engagement with the second conductor 101.
- the method includes the positioning of the top and bottom edges of the plates 125 so as to be yieldably embedded into the surfaces of the respective sponges for completing the electrical circuit therethrough when the cover 39 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 9 with the normally opened tilt switches 105 and 107 closed.
- the present method includes the use of a plate supporting and transfer rack 115 having an open framework 117, with the plates 125 being horizontally bowed for frictional retention therein.
- the present method includes the further step of elevating the plate or plates 125 after the electrophoresis process and translating the plates while maintaining them in an upright position and thereafter lowering the plates and immersing them within a stain solution for a predetermined interval.
- the present method also includes in connection with the use of a power operated lift and transfer assembly 81, a means by which the plate holder rack 115 and the mounted plates 125-127 are successively transferred and immersed within their respective solutions in the vats 45, 47, 49, 51, 53 and 55 and within the drying chamber 57, for a predetermined period in a continuous linear stepping motion.
- the cabinet 13 of the vertical electrophoresis and staining instrument, or apparatus 11 is 21 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 7 inches tall.
- the apparatus 11 is unique in that the same plates 125 are handled vertically rather than horizontally for the electrophoresis.
- the samples are also handled vertically for staining as well as for treatment within the respective solutions for rinsing, fixing and drying the plates 125. Since all of the samples are held in the same way, automating the present electrophoresis staining process is facilitated.
- the technician pours a small amount of buffer solution 93, FIG. 9, into the bottom 85 of chamber 33, being careful not to cover the sponge 95. He then places the sample holder 115 with the sample plates 125 into the chamber 37. He fits the two arms 119 thereof, FIG. 2, with their V-shaped undersurfaces 121 in registry with the V-notches 29 on the housing front and rear walls. The plates 125 will push gently into the sponge 95 and will thus come into contact with the buffer solution therein.
- Lid or cover 39 of the chamber 37 has mounted thereon a pair of tilt switches 105 and 107, one of the switches controlling the flow of electrical current to the platinum wire electrode 87.
- An additional electrode 101 is placed within the sponge holder 99 and an additional sponge 111 nested up into the holder and held thereon by a pair of rubber bands 113.
- its depending contact 109 is in registry with the top contact 91 at the top of the chamber 37, which is electrically connected to conductor 87.
- the tilt switches 109, 107 close only when the cover 39 is in the down position and open when the cover has been elevated, protect the user from accidental shock.
- the top sponge 111 is likewise dampened with the buffer solution.
- the sample plates 125 will push into the top sponge when the cover 39 is closed, thus making electrical contact with both ends of the plates to complete the electrophoretic circuit.
- vats preferably of plastic, are aligned with the electrophoresis chamber 37 upon the housing platform 25 so that the plates 125 can be immersed into each thereof in their proper order, i.e., dye for vat 45, rinse solution number 1 for vat 47, rinse solution number 2 for vat 49, rinse solution number 3 for vat 51, a fixative solution for vat 53 and a rinse for vat 55.
- Each vat is removable for cleaning, facilitated by the apertured upper tabs 59 on each vat.
- This metal chamber 57, FIG. 10 is at the end of the vats and is approximately the same size thereof and has an opening 77 toward the bottom thereof to allow warm air to enter from the warm air passages 69 and 75 for drying the plates as shown by the arrows and of movement of air upwardly.
- the fan 67 forces air past the cylindrical heating element 71 which moves through the metal grate 73 and passage 75.
- the air is deflected by the cross plate 83, which connects the right hand ends of the respective lift plates 81, deflecting air into the base of drying chamber 57.
- the air circulates, rises and dries the sample plates.
- the transfer mechanism includes a network of chains 147 and 159 with associated sprockets driven by motor 143 for moving the horizontal drive chain 147 mounted upon the corresponding transfer sprockets 149. These sprockets are in driving engagement with the transverse longitudinally spaced axle shafts 151.
- the respective power rotative shafts activate the lowermost drive sprockets 155 for the lift chains 159 whose upper ends are journalled over the idler sprockets 155 arranged upon opposite sides of the housing FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- Each of the lift chains 159 has an outwardly directed lift pin 161 which is supportedly journalled within corresponding bushing 162 within the lift plates 81 adjacent their opposite lower ends.
- the lift plates 81 produce a linear stepping motion for the sample holder rack 115 mounting the sample plate or a plurality of upright sample plates as they move.
- the plates 125 rise as the arms 119 of the sample holder 115 nest in the opposed notches 133 in the lift plates 81. This lifts the sample plates entirely out of the respective chamber.
- the sample is then carried forward and the rack is lowered into the housing notches 29, which center it with respect to the next adjacent vat, such as the staining vat 45 and the successive vats 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 and drying chamber 57.
- the power switch 167 turns the apparatus 11 on and off.
- Time control 169 determines the length of time that the voltage is applied to the electrophoresis process within chamber 37. Time is variable between 0 and 60 minutes.
- Voltage switch 171 determines the amount of voltage to be applied to the sample plates during electrophoresis, as an example, 180, 300 or 350 volts.
- Voltage LED (light emitting diode) 173 lights up when the timer is active and the current is flowing through the electrodes 87 and 101.
- a range switch alters the range of an ammeter, which is located directly above the range switch. In the normal position, the ammeter readings are taken at face value. In the "X2 position", doubles the face value, increasing the range meter to 40 MA.
- the nine position rotary program switch 175 selects the internal program which will control the length of time that the samples are left in each of the staining cycle chambers 45 through 55. "Manual" position allows the user to control the time that the samples spend in each chamber.
- the start button 177 allows a selected program to begin.
- the stop push button 179 stops the selected program.
- the step button 181 and the heater and blower switches 183 and 185 are provided to allow the user manual operation of cycles not programmed into the apparatus 11.
- the step button 181 activates the transfer process for one position at a time and arranged above the respective buttons, are a series of registering indicators LEDS 173 which illuminate when the corresponding button is pushed.
- the heater toggle switch 183 turns on the heating element 71 beneath the drying chamber 57.
- the blower toggle switch 185 activates the fan 67 which forces air to pass over heating element 71 and into the drying chamber 57.
- the sponges 95 and 111 act as electrophoresis wicks. Both of the sponges should be clean and free of contamination or stains. Each of the sponge wicks should be soaked in fresh cold buffer, that has been mixed for a particular procedure. After completely wetting the sponge wicks in a buffer, these are removed and the excess buffer squeezed out. The wicks should be wet, but not dripping. Excess buffer in the sponge wicks 95, 111 may cause distortion of the electrophoretic pattern or an irregular migration time. A dry sponge may cause poor electrophoretic contact, excessive production of heat, both of which adversely affect results. After applying the samples to be tested to the electrophoresis plate 125, the respective plate is mounted within the carrying rack 115, such as shown in FIG. 2 with the respective plates 125 bowed as shown and frictionally retained in position.
- the sample plates 125-127 are arranged within the rack 115, FIG. 2, with the respective electrophoresis plates facing in the same direction wherein the top of the cellulose acetate plate is approximately 5 MM (one quarter inch) above the bottom of the sample carrying rack 115.
- the carrying rack 115 with the depending upright plates, with the samples applied are initially mounted so that the respective rack arms 119 rest within the corresponding notches 29 in the housing on opposite sides thereof, as shown in FIG. 9 for the beginning of the electrophoresis process.
- the arms 119 are also normally slightly spaced above the corresponding aligned notches 133 of the lift and transfer plates 81.
- the lid 39 is tilted over until it locks in place relative to the latches 137.
- the polarity switch 187, FIG. 8 is checked for the proper polarity.
- the electrophoresis pattern will migrate from the negative (cathodic) to the positive (anode) pole.
- the negative setting will electrophoresis the samples downward.
- a positive setting will electrophoresis the sample upward.
- Preliminary testing of the present system indicates that a negative setting and downward electrophoretic migration is preferred. Under certain other conditions a positive setting or polarity may be preferred.
- the power switch 167 is turned to the on position, FIG. 1. It takes approximately 1 minute for the unit to warm up. The electrophoresis plates are subject to some dehydration during the application process, particularly if more than one plate is being used. This one minute delay also allows the plates in the chamber to rehydrate with buffer solution. Thereafter, the voltage switch 171 is moved to the desired setting of either 350, 300 or 180 volts.
- the knob 175 is set to one program as for example, program number 1.
- This program initiates a five minute staining cycle for each of the compartments or vats other than the electrophoresis chamber.
- Other programs are contemplated by which time of immersion in the respective vats involving the various solutions can be varied as desired and preset depending upon the programs selected.
- Both the heater and blower switches 183 and 185 should be in the down position.
- the heater 71 and blower 67 will automatically turn on near the end of the clearing solution cycle.
- the staining cycle control knob can be turned to the manual position shown at 175.
- the manual mode allows the operator to initiate the desired steps by pressing the step button 181.
- the heater 71 and blower 67 may also be activated in the manual mode by placing the toggle switches 183 and 185 in the on position.
- the end of the electrophoresis preset time will be signalled by a bell.
- the lid 39 of the chamber 37 will be automatically lifted to an inoperative position and the staining cycle will begin.
- the rack 115 and plates suspended in a vertical position will be automatically transferred through the various solutions ending with a five minute cycle in the drying compartment 57.
- the plates are then ready for visual inspection or densitometry.
- a stain referred to as "PONCEAU S" is employed within the stain vat 45 in a solution which is filled into the vat 45 to within 10 MM of the top to assure complete staining of the electrophoresis media 127.
- the first rinsing compartment 47 for example, contains a solution of 5% GLACIAL acetatic acid.
- the second rinsing compartment 49 also contains a 5% GLACIAL acetatic acid.
- the third rinsing compartment also contains the 5% GLACIAL acetatic acid.
- the fixing vat or compartment 53 contains a methanol solution.
- the methanol dehydrates the plate or plates 125 and removes the excessive water.
- the methanol should be changed daily or after dehydrating 10 plates. A contaminated methanol will create a cloudy background on the finished plate.
- the clearing compartment vat 55 contains a clearing solution which is composed of:
- the clearing solution should be changed regularly to insure proper clearing of the cellulose acetate.
- the clearing solution is used to soften the cellulose acetate media or other media employed.
- the actual clearing of the cellulose acetate takes place during the drying cycle within chamber 57.
- the plates 125 are normally dried for 5 minutes. If extra drying time is desired, the switch for the dryer at 183 and 185 is turned on. The plate should be dried until the acetate surface is hard and dry. Excessive drying of the cellulose acetate plate or other media on the plate, may create delamination of the media from the plastic backing plate.
- the electrophoresis is employed in the chamber 37 using the same technique as would be employed for serum protein.
- the operator must substitute for the Ponceau S in the chamber 45 with one filled with oil red Om and 1.0 normal sodium hydroxide.
- the program switch 175 should be set for manual so that the lipoprotein plate can stain for a recommended time of 1 hour approximately.
- lipoproteins should be run at 180 volts for 25 minutes.
- the hemoglobins should be preformed at 350 volts for 25 minutes.
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Abstract
Description
______________________________________ UNITED STATES PRIOR ART 3,607,695 Schneider 9/21/71 3,759,773 Dwyer et al 9/18/73 3,808,118 Golias 4/30/74 3,873,433 Seidel, et al 3/25/75 3,884,764 Goodhue 5/20/75 3,907,642 William Richmond 9/23/75 3,907,645 William Richmond 9/23/75 3,912,610 Kingdon Lou 10/14/75 BRITISH PRIOR ART 1,060,874 Stanton (1966) 1,211,008 Elevitch (1967) 1,212,844 Stanton (1967) 1,385,319 William Richmond (1972) 1,385,320 William Richmond (1972) 1,466,040 Behringwerke (1975) Aktiengesellschaft ______________________________________
Claims (30)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US06/273,162 US4391689A (en) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-06-12 | Automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus and method |
IT67753/82A IT1156474B (en) | 1981-06-12 | 1982-06-11 | AUTOMATED ELECTROPHORESIS AND COLORING EQUIPMENT AND RELATED METHOD |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US06/273,162 US4391689A (en) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-06-12 | Automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus and method |
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US4391689A true US4391689A (en) | 1983-07-05 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US06/273,162 Expired - Lifetime US4391689A (en) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-06-12 | Automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus and method |
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Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4578169A (en) * | 1984-06-12 | 1986-03-25 | Elvi S.P.A. | Apparatus for total and fractional analyses of proteins |
US4657655A (en) * | 1986-01-30 | 1987-04-14 | Fotodyne, Inc. | Foto/phoresis apparatus |
US4715943A (en) * | 1984-02-22 | 1987-12-29 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Apparatus for separating a mixture of components by thin layer electrophoresis |
US4750506A (en) * | 1986-12-24 | 1988-06-14 | Olexa Stephanie A | Apparatus for processing a slab gel |
FR2628215A1 (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1989-09-08 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis analysis appts. |
US4890247A (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1989-12-26 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis apparatus and method |
DE3935907A1 (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1990-05-03 | Helena Lab Corp | Appts. for automatic electrophoresis - having lower section, mounting plate, transverse troughs in support, scan unit, computer and crane arrangement |
DE3939850A1 (en) * | 1989-01-30 | 1990-08-02 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis unit - combines pye automatic performance of all consecutive operational stages |
AU624741B2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1992-06-18 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method |
US5399255A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1995-03-21 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Platform for conducting electrophoresis, and electrophoresis plate for use with the platform |
US5460709A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1995-10-24 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method and apparatus |
US5512157A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1996-04-30 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Electrophoresis plate |
US5580016A (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1996-12-03 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Support system for an equipment housing |
DE3844869C2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1997-07-24 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis analysis appts. |
US5858189A (en) * | 1994-01-19 | 1999-01-12 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Sample holder and method for automated high throughput electrophoresis |
US5993627A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-11-30 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
WO2000014534A1 (en) * | 1998-09-08 | 2000-03-16 | Biocrystal Limited | Device and process for automated cell staining |
US6068753A (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 2000-05-30 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis apparatus with fluorescent and visible scanning |
US6068754A (en) * | 1998-04-27 | 2000-05-30 | Koh; Francis H. | Multi-tank gel developing apparatus and method |
US6554991B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2003-04-29 | Large Scale Proteomics Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US7261800B1 (en) | 2002-08-26 | 2007-08-28 | Helena Laboratories | Automatic in situ electrophoresis method and apparatus |
CN106706396A (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2017-05-24 | 山东鑫科生物科技股份有限公司 | Dyeing instrument |
CN113325056A (en) * | 2021-06-01 | 2021-08-31 | 宋雪果 | Multifunctional molecular biology electrophoresis auxiliary device |
CN114487302A (en) * | 2022-02-09 | 2022-05-13 | 唐荣 | Be applied to corrosion resistant structure sensor that has of chemical products research and development |
Citations (2)
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US3290240A (en) * | 1962-03-14 | 1966-12-06 | Edward J Neren | Vertical electrophoresis apparatus with adjustable media tube |
US3494846A (en) * | 1968-06-11 | 1970-02-10 | Pierre C Arquembourg | Immuno-electrophoretic method and apparatus |
-
1981
- 1981-06-12 US US06/273,162 patent/US4391689A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1982
- 1982-06-11 IT IT67753/82A patent/IT1156474B/en active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3290240A (en) * | 1962-03-14 | 1966-12-06 | Edward J Neren | Vertical electrophoresis apparatus with adjustable media tube |
US3494846A (en) * | 1968-06-11 | 1970-02-10 | Pierre C Arquembourg | Immuno-electrophoretic method and apparatus |
Cited By (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4715943A (en) * | 1984-02-22 | 1987-12-29 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Apparatus for separating a mixture of components by thin layer electrophoresis |
US4578169A (en) * | 1984-06-12 | 1986-03-25 | Elvi S.P.A. | Apparatus for total and fractional analyses of proteins |
US4657655A (en) * | 1986-01-30 | 1987-04-14 | Fotodyne, Inc. | Foto/phoresis apparatus |
US4750506A (en) * | 1986-12-24 | 1988-06-14 | Olexa Stephanie A | Apparatus for processing a slab gel |
DE3844869C2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1997-07-24 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis analysis appts. |
US4890247A (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1989-12-26 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis apparatus and method |
AU624741B2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1992-06-18 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method |
DE3844868C2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1997-11-06 | Helena Lab Corp | Procedure for the evaluation of electrophoretically treated sample carriers |
FR2628215A1 (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1989-09-08 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis analysis appts. |
DE3935907A1 (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1990-05-03 | Helena Lab Corp | Appts. for automatic electrophoresis - having lower section, mounting plate, transverse troughs in support, scan unit, computer and crane arrangement |
DE3939850A1 (en) * | 1989-01-30 | 1990-08-02 | Helena Lab Corp | Automatic electrophoresis unit - combines pye automatic performance of all consecutive operational stages |
US5460709A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1995-10-24 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method and apparatus |
US5516402A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1996-05-14 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method and apparatus |
US5583279A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1996-12-10 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Method for calibrating a piston and cylinder type applicator |
US5637203A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1997-06-10 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Platform for conducting electrophoresis, and electrophoresis plate for use with the platform |
US5512157A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1996-04-30 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Electrophoresis plate |
US5846395A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1998-12-08 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis method and apparatus |
US5399255A (en) * | 1993-06-21 | 1995-03-21 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Platform for conducting electrophoresis, and electrophoresis plate for use with the platform |
US5580016A (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1996-12-03 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Support system for an equipment housing |
US5858189A (en) * | 1994-01-19 | 1999-01-12 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Sample holder and method for automated high throughput electrophoresis |
US6068753A (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 2000-05-30 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Automatic electrophoresis apparatus with fluorescent and visible scanning |
US5993627A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-11-30 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6451189B2 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-09-17 | Large Scale Proteomics Corp. | Automated system for two dimensional electrophoresis |
US20050126911A1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2005-06-16 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6123821A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2000-09-26 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6136173A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2000-10-24 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6245206B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2001-06-12 | Large Scale Biology Corp. | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US20010023826A1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2001-09-27 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Automated system for two dimensional electrophoresis |
US6391650B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-05-21 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Protein sample preparation for electrophoresis |
US6398932B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-06-04 | Large Scale Proteomics Corp. | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6416644B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-07-09 | Large Scale Proteomics Corp. | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6438259B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-08-20 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Computer-assisted methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of biomolecules |
US6643391B2 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2003-11-04 | Large Scale Proteomics Corporation | Apparatus for computer-assisted isolation and characterization of proteins |
US20020157954A1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2002-10-31 | Anderson N. Leigh | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6482303B2 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2002-11-19 | Large Scale Proteomics Corp. | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6507664B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2003-01-14 | Large Scale Biology Corporation | Two-dimensional gels for separation, identification and characterization of biomolecules |
US6554991B1 (en) | 1997-06-24 | 2003-04-29 | Large Scale Proteomics Corporation | Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis |
US6068754A (en) * | 1998-04-27 | 2000-05-30 | Koh; Francis H. | Multi-tank gel developing apparatus and method |
WO2000014534A1 (en) * | 1998-09-08 | 2000-03-16 | Biocrystal Limited | Device and process for automated cell staining |
US7261800B1 (en) | 2002-08-26 | 2007-08-28 | Helena Laboratories | Automatic in situ electrophoresis method and apparatus |
CN106706396A (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2017-05-24 | 山东鑫科生物科技股份有限公司 | Dyeing instrument |
CN113325056A (en) * | 2021-06-01 | 2021-08-31 | 宋雪果 | Multifunctional molecular biology electrophoresis auxiliary device |
CN114487302A (en) * | 2022-02-09 | 2022-05-13 | 唐荣 | Be applied to corrosion resistant structure sensor that has of chemical products research and development |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IT8267753A0 (en) | 1982-06-11 |
IT1156474B (en) | 1987-02-04 |
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